Epilogue – 4 months later
"Sam, are you nearly ready?" Jo entered the bedroom, her breath catching in her throat at the sight of her partner, encased in a stunning strapless burgundy dress and with hair twisted up the back of her head, held in place by a single red rose, examining herself hypercritically in front of the full length mirror. "Honey, you look amazing."
"I don't feel amazing!" Sam gulped nervously, watching Jo approach in the mirror, admiring the cut of Jo's tailored iridescent charcoal trouser suit. "I feel like my entire insides are upside down and determined to part company with my body at any moment."
"It's not too late if you're having second thoughts." Jo informed her, eyes downcast but determined not to put any pressure on Sam, absentmindedly resting her hands on Sam's hips.
Sam reached for Jo's hands, pulling them around her waist until they settled on her abdomen, covering them with her own. "No second thoughts, no cold feet, just nervous as hell that I'm about get married to you and afraid I'll let you down. You're more than I ever dreamed I'd find in a partner, I only hope that I can give you everything you want and need as your wife." Jo felt the familiar stirrings of arousal as Sam leaned back into the embrace she had created, the sight of Sam in her simple A-line, off the shoulder, strapless burgundy dress one she knew would be forever etched into her memory.
"Believe me Sam, you have nothing to fear; you already give me everything I could ever want and more besides. If anyone should be afraid, it's me – you're far more than I ever dared hope for in a lover and here you are about to commit to being my wife. I'm terrified that I'm going to wake up and find this has all been a dream." Sam gently pinched the back of one of Jo's hands, indicating to her that it was indeed very real. The petite blonde rested her head back on Jo's shoulder as she gazed at their reflection in the chrome mirror, marvelling at how well they fitted together and how right she felt in Jo's arms.
"Promise me that tonight you'll make love to me in front of this mirror? I want to watch your hands, to watch you…" Sam left her thoughts unspoken, feeling a tremor course through Jo's body behind her, seeing the hungry desire flash in her eyes.
"Easy tiger or we won't make it to the ceremony at all!" Jo winked with a grin, leaning forward to whisper in Sam's ear, "I promise to drive you wild right here tonight as I make love to my beautiful, sexy, irresistible wife. I promise to do things to you, to take you places, you've only ever dreamt about!" Sam felt her knees weaken in the wake of Jo's husky, heartfelt, lust-laden promises, a bolt of molten liquid arousal charging through her core. "Now let me go and let's get married before I lose all self-control and ravish you senseless right here, right now!"
"That was a beautiful service. Congratulations to both of you." Ramani gushed, sweeping both women up into a brief warm hug before swiftly moving on to allow others to congratulate the happy couple, dragging a smitten Terry haplessly in her wake.
"Lovely ceremony, I hope you're both very happy together. After everything you've been through, you deserve some happiness at the very least. We had a bit of a whip round for you at the station." Jack handed over the envelope containing the vouchers totalling £400 from their closest colleagues at Sun Hill, a testament to how popular they both were.
"Just tell me he's never coming out again Jack, that's the best present you could ever give to me." Sam searched the DCI's face for any sign of the verdict following Hugh's sentencing hearing.
"The judge added on two years for absconding from prison. He also received three life sentences to run consecutively for the murders of Ciaran O'Rourke, Sandra Carmichael and Andrew Lawson, the private detective he'd hired to follow Abigail and whose body was found next to Zain in the lockup. And if that wasn't enough to make sure he's never setting foot outside of prison again, he also got seven years for each of the attempted murders of Zain and Robert McAdam, the prison officer who helped him escape. The judge made it clear that he won't ever be considered for parole because of the seriousness of the crimes he's committed and his disregard for the value of human life. He's being transported to Durham as we speak. Now forget about him and enjoy your day, both of you. You're not to even think about work for the next two weeks." Jack shook hands with both women before moving into the reception room and allowing the happy couple to continue accepting the congratulations of all their guests.
The wedding breakfast passed smoothly and before both women knew it, the time had come for speeches. Jo suddenly questioned the wisdom of choosing Gary as her best man, watching the conspiratorial glance passing between him and Phil Hunter and inwardly groaning, wondering if the content of his speech would need to be censored given the presence of her parents. She was eager to get this part of the day over with so that she could unleash her surprise on Sam, knowing the blonde had no idea of what was to come. She took a nervous swig from her glass of water, reaching for her new wife's hand and squeezing it tenderly as Gary rose to his feet, clinking a spoon against his wine glass to capture everyone's attention.
"I'd like to start by thanking all of you who've turned out to support Jo and Sam today. I'd also like to thank Abi for doing such a sterling job as bridesmaid and helping to organise all this. When Jo first asked me to be her best man, I thought is she insane? After all, I am well known for my uncanny ability to put my foot in my mouth every time I open it. And looking at her expression now, I'm sure she's asking herself the same thing. But she assured me at the time she was of sound mind and looking at the picture of perfection she and Sam cut today, who am I to argue? Jo has been lucky enough to find the one thing that we all search for in life; her soul-mate, the one person she's meant to be with above all others. It's not been an easy journey for either Sam or Jo, there've been many times along the way when it looked likely we'd never see this day. I for one am thankful that I'm able to share in their happiness. They truly are remarkable women and I think it's safe to say I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Jo. She has an altruistic spirit that's rarely genuine and will stop at nothing to make this a better world for both those she cares about and those she doesn't know." Gary smiled fondly at his friend, hands shaking with nerves even as he spoke clearly and confidently. "I asked all her current colleagues to describe Jo in one word for me and there were a few that kept cropping up time and again… as well as some that are best kept between myself and Phil Hunter." There was a ripple of laughter throughout the room, all eyes falling on Phil who grinned cheekily and shrugged with a wink in Jo's direction. "Everyone agrees that Jo is a passionate, dedicated and dependable woman. And I would say she's found her equal in Sam, who is every bit as passionate, dedicated and dependable as Jo. I asked if either of them had changed since becoming a couple and was surprised to hear that very definitely yes, they both have – but I'm assured it's only for the better. I doubt you'll ever see a couple so perfectly suited to one another, so in tune with the other's thoughts and feelings that no words are needed for them to communicate. I'd like you all to raise your glasses and join me in a toast," Gary paused waiting for the rustle to die down as everyone reached for their Champagne flutes, before raising his own glass high. "To Jo and Sam, may every day be filled with happiness and may you always cherish the joy you bring one another."
"To Jo and Sam," was the murmured response around the intimate reception room. Gary retook his seat, swigging thirstily from his pint and loosening the burgundy tie which felt like it was choking him. Jo leaned across and planted a peck on his cheek, tears brimming in her eyes in the wake of his kind speech.
"Thank you," she whispered sincerely. Further conversation was halted as Jo's father rose to his feet, clearing his throat and attracting the attention of the gathered crowd.
"It's customary at these such events for the father of the bride to say a few words, and even though this might not be your typical wedding, there are some traditions I'd like to uphold. Now I'd like to think I know my daughter pretty well, I've been there with her through the good times and the not so good and I can safely say that without a doubt, I have never seen her so happy, so settled as she has been since she became involved with Sam. When Jo first told me that she could never give me the white wedding a father always dreams of for his daughter, my heart sank. As a parent, your one wish in life is for you children to be happy and at the time I thought Jo was setting herself up for a life of disappointments and heartache. Throughout the years, I've come to accept that I was wrong and I've told her so on many occasions. Well Jo, today's the day you get to admit to me, finally, that you too were wrong – you have given me the wedding I always wanted for you, the wedding where I get to hand you over to the one person who means more to you than anybody else and I couldn't be happier." Jo grinned ruefully at her father, conceding his point, remembering the painful conversation they had had when she was just a teenager as clearly as if happened only yesterday. "Sam, I know parents sadly can't be with us today, but I hope that you know Alice and I are just as much your parents as we are Jo's now. You have given to us the greatest gift of all – our daughter's happiness – and for that, we will be eternally grateful. Welcome to the family sweetheart and may your union be forever blessed. So, if you could all raise your glasses once again, I'd like to raise my own toast: to Jo and Sam, may today be just the beginning of your endless happy days together." Everyone gathered in the room repeated the toast, Sam growing a little suspicious as Jo exchanged a look with Abi who casually slipped out of the room. Taking another nervous swig from her water, Jo climbed to her feet, legs shaking as she mentally chanted 'please let my voice hold out long enough to do this!'
"Well, thank you Gary and Dad for those… lovely speeches, it's great to know that our happiness is that evident to other people." Jo swallowed nervously, feeling her stomach tie itself in fresh knots as Abi slipped back into the room. It was all Jo could do not to bolt for the door, sweat dampening her palms as she contemplated the truth of Gary's statement about her sanity. "I err… I wanted to surprise Sam today, to do something truly unique for her as a thank you for agreeing to share her life with me so if you'll all just bear with me for a few minutes…" Jo's words trailed off as faints strains of music drifted into the room and she turned to Sam, the first words of her song immediately bearing true.
"Every time I look at you the world just melts away
All my troubles, all my fears dissolve in your affections
You've seen me at my weakest but you take me as I am
And when I fall you offer me a softer place to land.
You stay the course, you hold the line, you keep it all together
You're the one true thing I know I can believe in
You're all the things that I desire, you save me, you complete me
You're the one true thing I know I can believe.
I get mad so easy but you give me room to breathe
No matter what I say or do 'cause you're too good to fight about it,
Even when I have to push just to see how far you'll go
You won't stoop down to battle but you never turn to go
You stay the course, you hold the line, you keep it all together
You're the one true thing I know I can believe in
You're all the things that I desire, you save me, you complete me
You're the one true thing I know I can believe.
Your love is just the antidote, nothing else can cure me
There are times I can't decide, when I can't tell up from down
You make me feel less crazy, otherwise I'd drown
But you pick me up and brush me off and tell me I'm ok
Sometimes that just what we need to get us through the day.
You stay the course, you hold the line, you keep it all together
You're the one true thing I know I can believe in
You're all the things that I desire, you save me, you complete me
You're the one true thing I know I can believe."
Lyrics from 'Push' by Sarah McLachlan
Jo held Sam's gaze as the final notes faded, her cheeks burning, no one in the room moving for long moments, not wishing to be the first to break the mood created by Jo's heartfelt singing. As the silence dragged on, Jo smiled nervously at her wife, willing her to do or say something. Sam bit her top lip, trying to stop the quiver which had set in shortly after Jo turned to her and began serenading her. The tears in her eyes betrayed how deeply the gesture had moved her. In an instant, she rose to her feet pulling Jo to her and crushing her lips against Jo's trembling own. As they drew apart, rapturous applause erupted from their family and friends. Sam cradled Jo's cheek in the palm of one hand, gazing intently into her blue/brown eyes.
"That was incredible. You never fail to amaze me. What did I ever do to deserve you?" Jo pulled Sam towards her once again, wrapping her up in a warm hug before leading her over to the table holding their cake.
The party began to wind down shortly after midnight, with many guests having to get up early for work the following day. Sam insisted before everyone left that she had to uphold another wedding day tradition and toss her bouquet. She climbed the first two steps on the staircase in the lobby of the hotel, the remaining guests gathering in a huddle behind her in readiness to dive on the posy of flowers she clutched in her hands. Glancing over her shoulder once to check how far she'd have to throw, Sam casually tossed the delicate blooms over one shoulder, spinning as she heard the squeals of delight from her colleagues and friends when the flowers landed squarely in a flustered Ramani's hands. Jo winked at Terry who looked as though he was about to bolt while Sam grinned mischievously at Ramani, giving rise to the suggestion that fate had had a helping hand.
"Now if you good people don't mind, I'm going to take my wife upstairs!" Sam chuckled at the expressions produced by Jo's off the cuff comment. Desire ignited in her core as Jo leaned closer, placing a tender peck on her cheek before whispering in her ear, "I do believe I have a promise to uphold."
"We'll see you all in a couple of weeks, try not to burn the station down before we get back ok?" Sam warned before slipping her arm through Jo's and allowing herself to be escorted up to their hotel room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Jo pinned Sam up against the wall, kissing her passionately betraying the hunger that had been steadily building within her since early that day. Sam returned the kiss equally as hungrily, feasting on Jo as though her life depended on it, clawing at the suit jacket and blouse beneath in her desperation to feel her wife's skin. The taller brunette lowered her head, kissing, nipping and sucking at the exposed skin along Sam's shoulders and collarbone, teasing her tongue into the tiny hollow at the base of the petite blonde's throat, relishing in the moan she felt vibrating against her lips. Sam's hand found its way inside Jo's clothing, reaching between them to cup and squeeze Jo's ample breast, wetness pooling between her thighs as her wife's nipple hardened instantly, pressing against her palm.
"Let's move this while I can still walk." Jo murmured, shrugging out of her jacket as she pushed off the wall, throwing the discarded garment to the ground before encircling Sam's waist and drawing her bodily into the main area of their room until they were standing at the foot of the luxurious king-sized bed opposite the full length mirrored wardrobe doors. Sam willingly followed, feeling increasingly drunk and light-headed as she stared into the blue/brown eyes mere inches away from her own, burning with raw lust. Jo reached for the zipper that was holding Sam's dress up, slowly teasing the fastener down, deliberately allowing her fingertips to graze the sensitive flesh beneath. Instinctively, the women drew together, mouths battling for supremacy as Sam's dress fell in a maroon puddle around her ankles, tongues duelling in a timeless dance which left both of them gasping for air.
"You have far too many clothes on!" Sam growled, her voice dropping a whole octave as she eyed Jo like a predator watches its prey, her hunger and intention written plainly on her face. Jo shivered as nimble fingers danced over the buttons of her simple white blouse, popping each one out of its fastening skilfully, occasionally brushing the soft mound of a breast or the toned plane of her stomach in the process, each movement designed to feed the desire that was palpable between them. Jo returned the attention, releasing Sam's breasts from her strapless bra, her mouth descending as soon as the smooth pliable flesh was free from its confines. She rolled Sam's rock hard nipple between her teeth gently before laving it generously with her tongue to sooth the sensitive flesh, switching between the two so neither felt left out. Sam leant back to give Jo better access, happy for a moment just to receive the attention, her own hands stilling their exploration, resting lightly on her wife's hips for support. Jo continued kissing her way down Sam's pert body, taking time to kiss and caress every inch reverently, breathing in the unmistakable scent that was the essence of Sam. The buxom brunette eased Sam's stockings off her smooth legs, swiftly followed by her black lacy knickers, leaving the petite blonde resplendently naked, a thin sheen of sweat her only covering.
"Turn to face the mirror, baby." Jo implored as she rose back to her feet, hurriedly shedding the remainder of her clothing, knowing that they were both too much in need of release for much further teasing. Sam complied wordlessly, her eyes conveying far more than words would ever achieve. Her expression was heavy-lidded, the fire burning within her ice blue eyes speaking of her passion, as she watched Jo approach her from behind. It took all of her self control not to close her eyes in ecstasy as she watched her wife's mouth descend onto the soft skin of her shoulder, suckling gently up towards her ear as Jo's right hand began to wander over the smooth expanse of skin on Sam's stomach upwards until it was cupping Sam's breast tenderly. The feel of Jo's hands on her combined with the sight that greeted her in the mirror renewed the flood from Sam's core, her juices seeping out and coating her thighs liberally, despite Jo having barely touched her.
"Oh God, Jo, do you have any idea what you do to me?" Sam panted, already breathless, her head falling back onto Jo's shoulder as her right breast was massaged and kneaded. Jo squeezed Sam's hip with her left hand.
"Keep watching sweetheart, see for yourself how amazing you look, how hot you are." Jo urged Sam's head upright once more pausing only briefly before she slipped her left hand towards the neat triangle of hair at the apex of Sam's thighs. She could feel the indescribable heat emanating long moments before she reached her destination, Sam wriggling slightly under the feather-light caresses Jo was administering en route. Pulling their bodies as close together as physics would allow, Jo placed her own feet inside Sam's nudging her legs apart and willing her to open herself up completely. The buxom brunette's fingers edged ever closer to Sam's drenched lips, the blonde woman writhing in Jo's embrace as she ached for more, the sensual assault on her breast never-ending. Jo slid her fingers into the waiting, wet, warmth, sighing with ecstasy as she felt how ready Sam was for her and feeling her own arousal piqued. The sight of her hands wandering at will over Sam's tormented body was sending slivers of desire coursing through her veins with each and every heartbeat, her pulse quickening and mouth going dry as all moisture gathered elsewhere. As her own desire grew, Jo fought down the baser instincts within her, the instincts which screamed at her to take Sam hard and fast, wanting to prolong the ecstasy for them both but knowing it would not take much for Sam to topple over the edge of the precipice on which she was teetering. She began to guide her fingers into Sam, pumping deep within her in a steady rhythm, curling her fingers to tease the sensitive ridge of flesh inside Sam's sopping core. She felt the body in her arms stiffen, Sam's breaths coming in short gasps, quiet mewling noises echoing in the quiet night air. "There's one vow I couldn't make at the service today, one that I had to keep, just for this moment." Jo whispered into her new wife's ear, feeling the trembling build within her, muscles flexing tentatively in readiness around her entombed fingers. "I promise you that each and every day of our lives, I will do everything in my power to give you the best orgasm of your life." Jo pressed her thumb down hard on Sam's twitching nub as she completed her vow, pressing a kiss into the edge of Sam's jaw just beneath her ear and holding her tightly as the woman she adored with her very soul bucked in her arms, riding the waves of her most intense and powerful orgasm ever. Sam's legs crumpled beneath her, Jo swiftly catching the falling woman and carrying her the short distance to the bed, laying her down gently on the covers before stretching out beside her and kissing her leisurely.
"I think you might have to go some way to beat that one, sweetheart!" Sam grinned as she recovered enough breath to speak. Instantly, she sprung to life, rolling over with Jo until she was straddling her thighs, kissing her way down Jo's body with only one goal in mind, and only a short detour via her wife's ample breasts. Sam guided Jo's knees over her own shoulders, wrapping one arm around each toned thigh, fingertips teasing the quivering flesh she found there. Wasting no time, Sam dipped her head, pushing just the very tip of her tongue between Jo's slick, juice coated lips, teasing the other woman mercilessly and grinning as Jo arched her hips bearing down to try and prolong or deepen the exquisite contact. Placing one hand on each hip, Sam held Jo down on the bed, making it clear she would go at her own pace. She was rewarded with a throaty moan, Jo's right hand clenching the duvet cover tightly while her left strayed towards her own breast. The sight left Sam's mouth dry, her concentration momentarily totally absorbed by the sight of Jo tweaking and rolling her nipple between her own thumb and forefinger. Swallowing thickly, she forced herself to lower her head, ignoring the pulling sensation in her own loins, and began to lap at Jo's freely flowing juices. She let her tongue swirl around Jo's opening, offering hints of what was to come before suddenly plunging her strong muscle deep within her wife, withdrawing momentarily before replacing her tongue with two fingers, building a furious rhythm which Jo matched feverishly, her need extreme and imminent. Sensing that the brunette could wait no longer, Sam fastened her lips around Jo's clit, drawing it into her mouth and suckling on it for all she was worth. Sam's name was ripped in a hoarse cry from Jo's throat as she climaxed, Sam's body spasming along with her wife's, the sheer sight and sound of Jo's orgasm bringing another release of Sam's own. The exhausted blonde hauled herself up to the pillows kissing Jo briefly before settling her head in the crook of her shoulder and curling into her side, wrapping one arm protectively across the narrow waist of her wife. Jo smiled contentedly as she felt Sam settle beside her.
"'Night Mrs Nixon-Masters." Jo whispered, feeling her grin broaden.
"'Night Mrs Masters-Nixon." Sam replied, kissing Jo's collarbone once more before drifting into a slumber.
"Now you two behave whilst we're away ok? No wild parties!" Sam joked with Abi and Gary as they said their goodbyes at the hotel.
"Aw shucks, there goes the plan for the record breaking two week rave then!" Gary rejoined, earning him a playful punch from Abi.
"Gary, you weren't supposed to let that slip!" She admonished him teasingly, rubbing his arm where she had punched it as he pouted in mock pain. Their relationship had bloomed following his heroics with Hugh, so much so that he had moved back to London to be with Abi and to try and provide a stable home for Joey. Sam and Jo watched the exchange, both with wide smiles on their faces, each pleased to see Abi and Gary so happy together.
"Seriously, take it easy, you know there's no rush for you to find your own place. You'll always be welcome for as long as you want to stay at home." Sam addressed her daughter seriously.
"Actually Mum, we've got some news on that front. Our need for a place of our own just got a little more pressing." Abi paused, waiting to see if the penny would drop or if she would have to spell out her news for her mother. When Sam continued to look at her quizzically, Abi reached for Gary's hand and smiling, announced, "you're both going to be becoming grandma's again and Joey's going to have a baby brother or sister. Gary and I are having a baby!"
The End…. ?
Well folks, thanks for sticking with this story and continuing to give me your feedback. I hope you all enjoyed and whilst I do have an idea to follow Jo and Sam on their honeymoon in Vegas, I might have to see how work commitments pan out as to how soon I can post it. But as ever, keep watching this space cos whilst there's life in these fingers and my muse is willing, I'll keep endeavouring to bring on the JAM!